Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli)

What Is Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli)?

Gai lan is a Chinese brassica vegetable known for its thick, fleshy stems, broad dark green leaves, and small white flower buds. It is also known as "Chinese broccoli" or "kai-lan," though it looks different from standard broccoli.

Its taste carries mildly bitter-mustard notes; the stem offers a sweetness similar to broccoli stem, while the leaves offer an intensity close to kale.

Nutritional Values of Gai Lan

100 grams of raw gai lan contains approximately 19 kcal of energy; it is high in vitamin C and vitamin K. Values vary by cooking method and are approximate.

How Should Gai Lan Be Consumed?

Gai lan is consumed as a vegetable-group food alongside other food groups, as part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; gai lan is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Gai Lan?

A good gai lan has firm-shiny stems, dark green-vibrant leaves, and unopened flower buds. Yellowed leaves have lost their freshness.

• The stems should be firm and shiny, not wrinkled-softened
• The leaves should be dark green-vibrant, not yellowed
• The flower buds should be unopened and tight

How Is Gai Lan Stored?

Gai lan stays fresh in the refrigerator for a few days when wrapped in a damp cloth; preventing it from drying out extends its freshness.

Using Gai Lan in the Kitchen

Gai lan is used most often in Cantonese stir-fries (with garlic and oyster sauce), and steamed and served with soy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gai lan and choy sum the same thing?

No; both are Chinese brassicas, but gai lan has thicker stems and is slightly bitter, while choy sum has thinner stems and is softer-sweeter.

How is gai lan cooked?

Since the stems are a bit thicker, they are usually stir-fried or steamed first, with the leaves added a few minutes later.

Is gai lan available in Turkey?

It can be found at specialty stores selling Asian products; it is not common.